Summer beauty secrets

Maintain a gorgeous glow all summer long with these top natural beauty tips

Don’t skimp on the sunscreen
“While there is stronger UVB light in summer, the UVA rays are there all year round and can cause deep tissue damage and saggy skin,” says Cherry Woods, luxury facialist and founder of The Cherry Woods Clinic (www.cherrywoodsclinic.com). “Use springtime to slowly introduce a separate SPF product or simply increase your current SPF into your routine. Be careful to go easy on your T-Zone, remembering it doesn’t need the same level of coverage on a regular day as it would on a beach holiday. The key is to allow your skin to adjust gradually, rather than suddenly swamping it in cream causing breakouts.”

Choose nature’s own moisturiser
“Coconut oil is one of nature’s greatest moisturisers,” explains Rosie Hayward, founder of The Groovy Food Company, (www.groovyfood.co.uk). “Unlike other oils that can sit on the epidermis’ surface, coconut oil penetrates the skin to deeply nourish and hydrate, leaving a glowing complexion. It’s a great way to keep hands and nails supple – simply rubbing a small amount into the cuticles will help with moisturising, conditioning and will revitalise dry skin. The oil can also be rubbed into feet to soften hard skin and condition nails before varnish is applied during a pedicure. For a luxurious body treatment, add Himalayan salt to create an instant exfoliator that will leave skin radiant.”

Slim your silhouette
If you suffer with bloating, the last thing you’ll want to do is put on a bikini and hit the beach. However, Epsom salt could be just the natural remedy you need. “Constipation and bloating are often a result of low magnesium levels and water retention,” says Karen Davis, chief pharmacist at Westlab (www.westlabsalts.co.uk). “Epsom salt is rich in magnesium sulphate, a compound that helps reduce the bloat, soothes achy muscles and flushes the body of toxins. When it comes to relieving a bloated stomach, magnesium works to relax the muscles surrounding the problem area, releasing tension and simultaneously topping up mineral levels to help you feel better from the inside out. Simply dissolve 500g into a bath, lie back in the warm water and relax – the therapeutic salts will instantly work their magic!”

Start from within
“We are used to working from the outside in when it comes to skin, but working from the inside out can provide additional support when it comes to protecting you from the sun,” says Cherry Woods. “Investing in vitamin C oral supplements will help stimulate your fibroblastic activity, which helps promote collagen production, which is key to skin repair and support. To be a five star skin student, add a good oral skin omega complex to your supplement regime too. This will help support the skin’s immunity, combat dehydration and reduce the blotchy redness associated with the hot summer months.”

Luscious locks
“Just like your skin, your hair needs some extra TLC in the summer to protect it from becoming dehydrated,” says Janey Lee Grace, author of Look great naturally without ditching the lipstick (www.imperfectlynatural.com). “Avoid synthetic chemicals and look at ways you can ensure that sunlight, heat and humidity don’t adversely affect your hair. Just as you might cover up to avoid being burnt, do the same with your hair. Wear massive sun hats or scarves which will give extra sun protection; this will also help your scalp retain moisture. During the summer you need lots of moisture, so don’t wash your hair too often as it strips the hair of natural oils. Instead use a great organic dry shampoo which adds volume. In addition, add some natural hair oil back to the ends – good for giving a little sheen as you sit by the pool and then at night you can do a deep intensive treatment. Raw organic extra virgin coconut oil is great for hair conditioning. You can apply, wrap your hair in a towel and sleep with it in place. Then, wash it all through the next morning and it will be silky soft. For extra benefit, add a couple of drops of argan oil, which has sun-protective qualities too.”

Sunless tanning tips
“You need care, skill and experience to get a good result from sunless tanning products,” says Charlotte Vohtz, founder of natural beauty company Green People, in her book Naturally Gorgeous. “These tips can help you achieve a smooth and even look:

• Prepare the skin with thorough cleansing, then exfoliate using a sugar scrub, loofah or dry brushing to avoid uneven colour application. Take care when exfoliating your face – use a facial micro-fibre cloth or a gentle facial scrub.
• Wipe the skin with an acidic toner (such as a little vinegar in water) to remove any alkaline residues from soaps or detergents that may interfere with the tanner.
• Moisturise well, especially bony areas such as elbows, ankles, heels and knees.
• Apply sunless tanning lotion to your skin in thin layers wherever you want colour, using less on thicker skin, as colour stays longer in these areas.
• To avoid uneven darkening, use a wet cotton pad or damp flannel to remove excess cream from bony areas such as the elbows, ankles, heels and knees.
• To avoid tanned palms, use gloves when applying or wash your hands immediately afterwards.
• After applying sunless tanning lotion, wait 20-30 minutes for it to dry before you get dressed.

Face facts
Susie Mills from natural and organic make-up brand INIKA (www.inika.co.uk) offers some summer make-up tips

• During the warmer months keep layers sheer and breathable. Washes of colour will make the skin look more ‘sun-kissed’ and dewy. Simply use a cream-based highlighter across the top of the cheek bones, cupid’s bow or mixed into your base for a fresh look.
• A matte base is ideal for warmer climates. A powder-based mineral powder allows for easy application and a natural finish. Skin can breathe and stay fresh with a mineral-based make-up and it has the added benefit of naturally-built in SPF.
• Primer will make any base last longer and work harder. By creating a smooth base, skin looks smoother and appears more flawless.
• To prevent eye shadow from creasing always use an eye-primer. Then build your colour by using a cream base and applying powder eye shadow on top for a fool-proof finish.
• Oil-free is always easier and will prevent skin from feeling sticky or looking too shiny. Keep layers sheer, correcting with concealer when needed. Always set any cream with a translucent powder to optimise longevity.
• Keep make-up simple with a flattering coral lip and minimal eye make-up.

Read previous Your Look articles here...

Read articles from our latest issue here...